When it comes to healthcare provision, remote and isolated locations tend to have very limited resources. Giving medical professionals in these areas access to global expertise can help to improve patient outcomes, and even save lives. 

That’s why any technology which enables better communication between medical professionals and patients directly benefits healthcare on the frontline. So how can remote surgical assistance technology from Rods&Cones play its part in telemedicine?

What Is Telemedicine?

Telemedicine is an umbrella term for technology that facilitates communication across various channels between patients and healthcare professionals. It is also referred to as e-health, m-health, digital medicine, and telehealth. Telemedicine takes many forms, from e-consultations to live-streamed surgery. It’s increasingly used by the military and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to provide medical support in war zones and remote locations. 

Using the Rods&Cones remote assistance services, users can connect safely with an assisting surgeon or medical professional anywhere in the world, in real-time. This means doctors working on the frontline can gain instant access to surgical experts located in another part of the world, who can impart specialist guidance and support when and where it’s needed the most. 

Why Is Telemedicine Important?

When medical professionals are out in the field, whether that’s a war zone or a remote rural location, they arrive with a set of very specific surgical skills. Should they run into a case that requires surgical knowledge outside their field, how and where do they access the relevant expertise when there’s limited knowledge on the ground? 

Especially in war zones, instant access to expert advice can make the difference between life and death. Evacuations are typically dangerous and cost-intensive, negatively impacting the chance of survival due to travel times. Instant connection to an expert with real-time over-the-shoulder advice multiplies the chances of clinical success while keeping costs down. At the same time, it also acts as training for the operating surgeon, who is able to apply learning to future cases.

With telemedicine, doctors can provide medical care from outside the Operating Room (OR), connect with patients who have limited mobility or access to transport, and provide urgent care for those far away from home. Rods&Cones technology enables doctors to save lives without the need for travel. 

This technology also facilitates surgical training to build local knowledge of particular procedures. A leading specialist, working in another part of the world, can share live surgery as part of a training program. In addition, they can also provide detailed instructions to operating surgeons via multiple video feeds set up within the OR.

How Can Rods&Cones Help?

Rods&Cones technology is a platform that enables remote assistance for medical 

environments. Designed for both open and minimally invasive surgeries, our kits contain everything needed to remotely access the OR in real-time. 

Simple to set up and securely connect, the equipment provides two-way audio communication and live video feeds between the OR and a medical professional who can help guide other practitioners through complex procedures and share their knowledge with surgeons working in the field who may not be a specialist in the area in which they’re performing. 

Rods&Cones democratises surgical expertise, and brings better patient care to the most hostile locations on the planet. See the difference it can make. Book a demo today.